Ford Puma can be had in two mild hybrid options and offers an assortment of features including a standard 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster
Oh, the wait is finally over! Ford has officially resurrected the Puma nameplate that was in the business between 1997 and 2002 as a compact sports coupe. Although the new model is not a cutesy runabout with nimble handling characteristics, Ford did not leave us disappointed as the Puma is back as a crossover.
This aligns with Ford’s strategy of maximizing the profit levels by rolling out SUVs, crossovers and pickup trucks in the majority. The Dearborn-based brand has streamlined its operations and narrowed down the architectures to achieve economies of scale with high production efficiency as sedans have taken the toll.
While Ford will continue selling sedans in emerging markets, it will focus its efforts more on the UVs sticking by the latest customer trend. However, the move could backfire as Ford summoned its legacy with some iconic sedans in the past in the international arena.
With new strategies in place for future growth, Ford is concentrating on increasing volumes by stepping into new segments to address a wide range of buyers. The reborn Puma takes a centre stage as it is positioned between the entry-level Ford EcoSport and the more premium Kuga.
Ahead of its global debut, Ford’s UK website has released the pictures reaffirming what we already know so far. The small crossover looks slightly larger than the Fiesta supermini it has derived the design cues from and amid its eye-popping appeal, it does get high ground clearance that may be helpful in occasional weekend family getaways.
The Puma has angular body surfaces complemented by the Blue Oval’s signature hexagonal front grille with prominent black mesh that continues on to the lower part of the sharp bumper. The bulbous headlamps have LED Daytime Running Lights integrated on to them and the fog lamps have a rather subtle finish.
With heavily raked windshield and rear glass area, the Ford Puma could often be mistaken for a jacked up hatchback. The proportions are neatly put together to give it a compact profile. The rear end gets beautifully crafted tailgate along with split C-shaped horizontal LED tail lamps and a sporty bumper comprising of a trapezoidal chrome exhaust tip.
Other key exterior details are short overhangs finished in black colour, roof done up in piano black, integrated roof spoiler, rounded wheel arches and machined alloy wheels. The images out on the internet are of the ST-Line X variant and we got to admit it is one of the best-looking small crossovers out there!
The Ford Puma will be sold with a 1.0-litre EcoBoost three-cylinder turbo petrol engine paired with an electric motor. The hybrid system can be had in two states of tune as the entry-level variants will be offered with 123 horsepower while the top-spec trims will be available with 152 horsepower. Both the powertrains will be mated to either a six-speed manual or an automatic transmission.
Expected to make European debut at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show in September, the Puma comes with a variety of safety, entertainment and convenience features.
They include a standard 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster that can be customised, a large touchscreen infotainment system with FORD SYNC3 tech, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and navigation, 10-speaker B&O audio, hands free tailgate, adaptive rear parcel shelf, Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection, Emergency Brake Assist, TPMS, ESC, ESA, adaptive cruise control, semi-autonomous parking assist, etc.
If Ford can infuse some of the styling bits found in the Puma into its upcoming mid-size SUV developed along with Mahindra, we would be very pleased!
Ford Puma Images
